In addition to heat, summer brings a flurry of social activities. Balancing your schedule between work and after-work activities can be difficult because the attire is often different. By making some minor adjustments to your daily wardrobe choices, you can stay prepared for planned events and last minute invites without having to change clothes. Here are 6 quick tips for going from work day to night out on the town.
Tip #1: Dress in Layers
Dressing in layers is an easy task. While it can help you to moderate your body temperature, it also provides you with a variety of looks. Whether you wear a skirt or pants, wear a patterned tank or halter top and add a lightweight sweater or blazer on top. This helps you to be business-appropriate during the day and by taking off the sweater or jacket after work you can transition easily to cocktail wear.
Tip #2: Boost Your Accessories
In many cases, if you’re already dressed in business casual or business attire, by boosting your accessories you can dress up any outfit. For example, replace a pair of simple stud earrings with a set of chandelier earrings to increase the glamour. Add three to four bangles or a cocktail ring for an added touch.
Tip #3: Keep Heels on Deck
There are a lot of fashionable flats, which provide you with a break if you are tired of wearing heels day in or day out. However, stay prepared by keeping an extra pair of heels in your office for those unexpected moments. A simple outfit can be livened up quickly just by changing your shoes. Opt for a basic color that has some specialty to it. For example, a black pump or heel platform is classic but having it in patent leather or even suede can change the game.
Tip #4: Ditch the Business Bag
There are several large bags that are fashionable and functional. However, they are generally not conducive for a night out. Choose a snazzy wallet that can double as a clutch or use a clutch that can serve as a wallet. This allows you to keep your vital items in one place and when it’s time, you can remove it as a stand-alone bag and leave your larger bag in the office or in the car. A smaller bag is more appropriate and keeps your hands free to hold your favorite cocktail or to wave them in the air.
Tip #5: Make It Up as You Go
Any makeup artist will tell you: it’s all about the face. The outfit matters too but the face is the first thing (hopefully) that people see. Whether it is a business event or purely social, your face comes first in making a good impression. If your outfit is understated, bring more interest with avant garde makeup. For example, a smoky eye with a bright red lip makes a bold statement. Don’t be too serious about it. Experiment with bright eye shadow or eyeliner colors; they may not be ideal for the office but they are perfect for an edgy evening look.
Tip #6: Nail It
Need to add a pop of color to a neutral outfit? Go wild with bright and colorful nail polish. Swipe on a couple of coats of a bright solid color if you are low on time or swing by a local nail salon and have an animal print or design painted on them. Increase the return on your investment by remembering to strategically place your hands in any photos that are taken of you.
